Talstar is a great option for mosquito control and can be used in either a mist blower or a sprayer.
For outdoor use the Talstar P will be safe for animals of all kinds once dry. For indoor use if you have pet birds, we recommend removing the birds from the home while you treat and for at least 4-6 hours to give plenty of time for the product to dry and air out. Birds are more sensitive to chemicals and smells so keeping them out of the treatment areas for longer than pets like dogs and cats is recommended. If you have any safety concerns regarding its use around your birds please take info on the product to your birds vet for consultation.
Talstar granules are one of the most effective chinch bug treatments on the market. Chinch bugs infest the base of grass plants and are often found in the thatch layer. Irrigate the treated area with up to 0.25 inches of water immediately after application to activate (release from the granule) the insecticide. Chinch bugs can be one of the most difficult pests to control in grasses and the higher applications rates will be required to control populations that contain both nymphs and adults during the summer. It may also be necessary to remove the thatch layer if it exceeds 1 inch in thickness to allow the Talstar to penetrate down to the soil.
If you have a few small spots the St. Augustine runners might fill it in this season (of course water, fertilizer, and lots of sunshine helps). If large portions of the lawn were damaged it will likely be late spring or later of next year before the lawn recovers. Very heavily damaged areas may need to be resodded.
Yes, Talstar P is labeled for only spider mites and clover mites. While it might kill broad mites as well it is not labeled for them so we cannot recommend it for this use.
Talstar P is our best selling product for chinch bug control. The key is to use lots of water to carry the Talstar P down to the thatch layer underneath the grass, where the chinch bugs do the damage. Please read the product label for proper use instructions.